domestique

[ doh-mes-teek ]

noun

1. Cycling. a member of a bicycle-racing team who assists the leader, as by setting a pace, preventing breakaways by other teams, or supplying food during a race.

Word History and Origins

Origin of domestique¹

1980–85; < French: literally, domestic

Example Sentences

Meier was to race as a professional for more than 10 years, riding all three Grand Tours including the Tour de France, and becoming well known as a reliable domestique for a number of World Tour teams, latterly the Australian outfit GreenEdge.

From BBC

The role of a domestique is to ride in service of others: to deliver the stars to the finish line in the best condition and position to sparkle.

From BBC

"I wanted to be a domestique," he says.

From BBC

For Poels, it had been a long wait before he finally claimed a first stage win at the Tour de France, after serving for years as a so-called super domestique in support of the leaders of the mighty Team Sky and Ineos.

From Washington Times

Yates, 30, looked relaxed and in a very good mood at the teams presentation, and is more decorated than twin brother Adam - who also features, but as super domestique supporting Pogacar in UAE-Team Emirates - winning the Vuelta a Espana in 2018 and 10 Grand Tour stages.

From BBC